MONTREAL — Canadian Space Agency president Steve MacLean is stepping down to join a new venture being created by Perimeter Institute founder Mike Lazaridis.

The space agency said in a news release that MacLean will lead a team pursuing breakthrough scientific research and development in the highly specialized field of quantum physics.

While several sources told The Canadian Press that the former Canadian astronaut will work for the Perimeter Institute, its director of public affairs, John Matlock, stressed MacLean’s job is instead part of a new venture “which enhances Waterloo Region’s innovation and technology cluster.

“The region is already a trailblazer in the field of quantum information science — having assembled world-leading theoretical and experimental scientists, built cutting-edge labs and infrastructure and galvanized private- and public-sector

partners,” Matlock stated in an email.

“Mike Lazaridis has been a major driver of this initiative and his commitment to growing this burgeoning field through this new venture is very exciting.

“We are very pleased that the innovation and technology cluster in Waterloo has attracted someone of Steve MacLean’s calibre and we look forward to collaborating with him and other partners who are building the Quantum Valley.”

MacLean has announced plans to leave the space agency on Feb. 1. He was appointed president in 2008 and his mandate was set to expire this coming September.

“During his tenure as president, he was devoted as an accomplished physicist, astronaut and administrator to advancing the Canadian Space Program,” the agency said of MacLean in a statement.

Federal Industry Minister Christian Paradis thanked MacLean for his commitment to public service and to his efforts in advocating the value of space technology and exploration.

“Over his impressive career, Dr. MacLean has made significant contributions to Canada’s leadership role in space,” Paradis said in a statement. “As one of Canada’s most accomplished astronauts and as president of the Canadian Space Agency, he has supported space innovation and demonstrated his passion for science literacy.”

One of the original six Canadian astronauts, MacLean joined the Canadian Astronaut Program in 1983 and flew on Space Shuttle Columbia as a payload specialist in 1992. MacLean, who is married with three children, went into space for a second time in 2006 when he worked on assembly of the International Space Station.

The agency’s release said the government will run a “publicly advertised, competency-based process” to find a new president.